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I recently picked up a Weaver GP38-2 that I'm going to do a repaint on and gut to make a dummy out of.  I'm going to need a source for the horns (these are broke) and handrails.  The handrails on this one are fine, BUT I'm going to attempt to make fixed pilots and obviously the handrails follow the steps.  

 

With that, if any of you have modeled or know where to find this stuff, I'm going to need some guidance.

 

What would I make the steps (and pilots?) out of?  Styrene?  If so, what thickness?  


Where can I find the horns for on top of the cab?

What do I make the visors/window shields out of?

The round cylinders on the trucks, what are they called and what should I make them out of (this is missing one?)

 

@ Gunrunner John,

    I'm going to attempt to keep the lighting in this and make it directional.  Can you help me through it?

 

Thank you in advance,

Mike

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Mike, I agree that P&D is a great choice...I have purchased many detail parts from them.  However, I recommend that you start with Weaver first. 

There's a chance they will stock some of these detail items themselves since they are still producing GP38's.  I've purchased some replacement parts for their ALCo RS3's directly from them.

I'm thinking they will have the horn, and possibly the railings and brake cylinders, too.  Start there to see how many items you can get from them, and then go to P&D for the rest.  Just a thought!

I may have a frame from the original single motor GP38s in my stash.   I am not home now and will not be there for at least 4-5 days.    If you are not in a big hurry, send me an email (my profile), and I will check when I get home.    The single motor versions had fixed pilots and just a skinny slot for a dummy coupler swing.    Easy to fill in.   If I have one, I will give it to you if you pay shipping.

 

Originally Posted by Pingman:
Where did you look on their website?

I think the issue for me is that there is just so much there, its almost overwhelming and I think "I have no idea what that is."  If that makes sense?

 

Originally Posted by MrHorst:

Mike,

 

Try looking under their 2 rail section -

 

http://pdhobbyshop.com/show_pr...6amp%3BD&start=1

 

Good luck with your project!

Thank you, that definitely helps.  There is just so much information there that I do not know what is correct or incorrect for what I need!  I emailed them yesterday, so I'll wait for their reply (if they send one.)

 

Originally Posted by scale rail:

Precision scale has an entire catalog of O scale diesel detailing parts. http://www.precisionscaleco.com/

Don

Thanks Don.  I saw this once before, but thought "I'm not spending $8 for a catalog" (since their O Scale Diesel catalog is not online.  So... I bought it yesterday, looking forward to getting it in the mail.  I'm sure that will help my uncertainties, or at least some of them.

 

I'm also going to give Weaver a try as JoeyA suggested and possibly calling P&D as Hot Water suggested.  The latter will be if I do not get an email reply though.

Originally Posted by joeyA:
Click here for Weaver Models, Inc. contact info.
Joe,

Wow....I'm not 100% with it sometimes.  I've been on that site quite a bit looking at the Wash Away to strip the paint off of the shell I have.  Now all I need to figure out is which color black is right for NS.
 
 
Originally Posted by Laidoffsick:

I bought the PSC catalog years ago, and it's probably still the same one today, but it is very helpful. I have ordered direct from PSC many times. Just be patient because it takes them forever to get the orders out.

Thank you very much for the heads up.  I get impatient sometimes, so that was good to find out now instead of later.  

Paul,

I forgot to mention before, I checked out Atlas, but I do not think they have parts for a GP38-2.  Now, since I do not have a lot of detail knowledge about the trains themselves, it may be possible that some of the parts are interchangeable.  I just wouldn't know what would be!

Paul,


I'm going to need new horns for on top of the cab.  I want to add shades above the windows and create fixed pilots somehow.  Two brake cylinders are broken off and third is missing, but that I'm assuming I will have to model because I'm betting nobody makes those.

With fixed pilots (am I using the right terminology here?) I will need to extend the handrails down to them, so I'll need to find handrails or at least the material to make them.

I received my Precision Scale Diesel Detail parts catalog last week.  What are the advantages to ordering brass parts over plastic other than the obvious stronger material?  


For those of you who have purchased parts like this, do you prefer one over the other?  


Also, for some of these things (grab irons, windshield wipers, etc) I will need to drill tiny holes.  What do you use for that?

Originally Posted by mjrodg3n88:
Also, for some of these things (grab irons, windshield wipers, etc) I will need to drill tiny holes.  What do you use for that?

Mike:

 

To properly drill the tiny holes you're asking about, (grab irons & wipers), I recommend that you invest in a good quality pin vise and a set of micro-size high-speed steel drill bits. 

 

Think of the pin-vise as a precision screwdriver with a small "chuck" at the end instead of a screwdriver blade or tip.  The chuck (or "vise") holds the micro bit firmly in the tool and your fingers provide the twisting power.  Micro-Mark carries a good selection, but I'm sure you can also find them at any other small (hobby) tool supplier.

Last edited by CNJ #1601

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